WWE Royal Rumble Heads To Saudi Arabia For First Time

The WWE Royal Rumble is gearing up for a groundbreaking edition in 2026, as the iconic event heads outside of North America for the very first time. Set for January 31, 2026, the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host thousands of passionate fans and millions more tuning in from around the world. This year’s Rumble isn’t just another stop on the WWE calendar—it marks a historic leap for the company and its global ambitions, as well as the official launchpad for the Road to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas this April.

What makes the Royal Rumble so special? For starters, it’s one of WWE’s "Big Four" Premium Live Events, standing proudly alongside WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. But the Rumble has a unique magic all its own. There’s the chaos of 30 superstars entering at timed intervals, the drama of surprise returns, and the high stakes: the winner of each Rumble match—both men’s and women’s—earns a championship match at WrestleMania 42. That’s not just a ticket to the main event; it’s a potential career-defining moment.

The 2026 edition is already making headlines before a single superstar’s music hits. Hosting the Rumble in Saudi Arabia marks a major milestone for WWE’s international expansion. While the company has staged large-scale events in the region before—most notably the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble in Jeddah, which featured a record 50-man match won by Braun Strowman—this is the first official Royal Rumble to be held outside North America. It’s a move that signals WWE’s intent to make its biggest shows truly global affairs.

Fans in the United Kingdom are in for a treat, too. The event’s 7 p.m. GMT start time is a welcome change from the usual early-morning broadcasts, making it easier than ever for UK viewers to catch every suplex and elimination live. For those tuning in from the US, ESPN will provide coverage, while UK fans can stream the spectacle on Netflix with a subscription starting at £5.99.

As of January 27, the confirmed participants for both the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches are shaping up to be a who’s who of WWE’s present and future. On the men’s side, the likes of Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Rey Mysterio, Jey Uso, Gunther, Solo Sikoa, Penta, Dragon Lee, Jacob Fatu, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and R-Truth have all thrown their hats into the ring, with 16 spots still up for grabs. That means plenty of room for surprise legends, NXT call-ups, or even a jaw-dropping return or two. After all, who could forget Edge’s thunderous comeback in 2020 or AJ Styles’ unforgettable debut in 2016?

The women’s Royal Rumble match, now in its ninth year, is stacked with star power and fresh faces alike. Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Asuka, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez, Chelsea Green, Lash Legend, Nia Jax, Giulia, and Jordynne Grace are all confirmed, with 15 more names still to be revealed. The women’s Rumble has delivered its own share of historic moments—just last year, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their much-anticipated returns, electrifying the crowd and shaking up the title picture.

The unpredictability of the Rumble is its greatest asset. While several superstars declare their entry ahead of time, the real fun comes from those unannounced arrivals. Legends, part-timers, and even international stars have been known to make surprise appearances, instantly turning the tide of the match and sending fans into a frenzy. The only way to be eliminated is to be tossed over the top rope with both feet hitting the floor—a simple rule that has led to countless creative escapes and heart-stopping near-misses over the years.

But the action in Riyadh won’t be limited to the two signature Rumble matches. The card also features Drew McIntyre defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against the winner of a fatal-four-way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. With McIntyre’s recent run of dominance, the stakes couldn’t be higher. And then there’s the career-threatening clash between AJ Styles and Gunther—a bout that has fans buzzing with anticipation. If Styles loses, he’ll be forced to retire, making this one of the most emotionally charged matches on the card. As the event approaches, speculation is running wild: Will Styles defy the odds and extend his legendary career, or will Gunther cement his place at the top by ending the Phenomenal One’s in-ring journey?

For those keeping score, here’s a snapshot of the confirmed Rumble entrants as of press time. On the men’s side: Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Rey Mysterio, Jey Uso, Gunther, Solo Sikoa, Penta, Dragon Lee, Jacob Fatu, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and R-Truth. On the women’s side: Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Asuka, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez, Chelsea Green, Lash Legend, Nia Jax, Giulia, and Jordynne Grace. With plenty of spots left, the rumor mill is in overdrive—could we see a returning legend, a shocking NXT call-up, or even a debut from a global superstar?

The stakes couldn’t be clearer: a guaranteed title match at WrestleMania 42 awaits both winners. It’s the kind of opportunity that has launched careers and cemented legacies. Just ask past winners who’ve gone on to headline the Showcase of the Immortals and etched their names in sports entertainment history. As always, the path to victory will be fraught with chaos, alliances, betrayals, and the ever-present risk of being unceremoniously dumped over the top rope.

As the WWE Universe counts down to Saturday night in Riyadh, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. The Royal Rumble has always been about the unexpected, and with a new international setting, a stacked roster, and career-altering stakes, this year’s event promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Will a new star rise on the Road to WrestleMania, or will a seasoned veteran seize the spotlight once again? One thing’s for sure: the world will be watching as the countdown clock ticks down and the next chapter in WWE history begins.

With the action set to unfold live from Saudi Arabia for the very first time, all eyes are on the Kingdom Arena. The 2026 Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a landmark event—one that could redefine what’s possible for WWE’s global reach and set the stage for a spectacular WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Stay tuned, because when it comes to the Royal Rumble, anything can happen—and usually does.